Walter E. West

Walter E. West, age 70, of Stockton, passed into eternal rest on Thursday, December 27, 2012, in

a local hospital. Walter portrayed a quiet strength in very difficult and painful times.

Born on June 2, 1942, in Waynesville, North Carolina, he was the youngest of 20 children of the late Dock Stephens West and Nola Gentry West. He graduated from Spring Creek High School in 1961. He earned an Associate of Science degree from El Paso Community College, El Paso, TX in 1984.

Unable to find employment, Walter enlisted in the United States Army in 1961 in Illinois. This enlistment would extend over 25 years and took him to many parts of the United States (Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas and California) as well as several countries around the world including assignments in Germany (3 times), Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Korea. While serving in Vietnam, he earned the Vietnam Service Medal for the Phases III, V, VI, and Tet Counteroffensives, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Bronze Star. His numerous other decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Joint Service Medal, and Legion of Merit. He attained the rank of Sergeant Major and retired in 1987.

In 1987, Walter worked for Filter Engineering and Equipment Company. In 1989, he worked for GPC where he took part in the Valdez Alaska oil spill cleanup effort. Walter enjoyed golfing and getting up early for morning walks with his friends at Sherwood Mall.

Walter was a member of the Association of the United States Army, Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (BPOE #218), and the American Legion (Karl Ross Post).

Katie, Robert, Morgan, Madison, and Michael Hayden; his brother Nathan West of Asheville, NC, his sisters Glenna West of Asheville, NC, and Lora Snow of Little Rock, AR, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members across the country.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, January 3, at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church, 2544 Plymouth Road, Stockton, followed by Burial with Full Military Honors at Cherokee Memorial Park, Harney Lane at Hwy 99, Lodi. Visitation will take place from 2-8 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2012 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

The family would like to thank two very special Caregivers of Visiting Angels for their dedication in providing compassionate care and friendship. Please sign the

online guest book at cherokeememorial.com

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